Mining Incidents

Wyodak MineCoal

Controlled by Black Hills Corp
Gillette, Campbell County, WY · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800083
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
58
Years on record
2000–2024
Latest incident
Jan 2024

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee received fatal crushing injuries while operating haul truck, parked in line waiting to be loaded at the shovel. The employee exited the cab and was standing behind the cab, between the cab and air receiver tank when the truck in front started to move in reverse, pinning the employee.

Reportable incidents

57 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2024 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Crew members were working to start beltline in sub-zero temperatures. On start up, EE noticed coworker standing too close to the belt, reached out and pulled coworker away from belt. When pulling, EE felt a pop in right shoulder. Full Thickness rotator cuff tear was diagnosed on 01/24/2024. Surgery is scheduled for 01/31/2024

2023 · 1 incident

Accident type, without injuries

While returning from the dump with an empty haul truck, truck driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway, hitting a berm and pile of dirt on the opposite side of the road. Extensive damage was caused to the front of the haul truck. No injuries were sustained.

2022 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee's right hand was caught between winch hook and winch fairlead opening resulting in the amputation of the right ring and middle finger approximately 1/2"" 1"" from the tip.

2021 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

EE was grinding while repairing a coal crusher. The wind picked up, causing dust to kick up and get behind the face shield and safety glasses EE was wearing, embedding metal shavings in EE's left eye.

Accident type, without injuries

Coal had built up in the cone/hopper of the truck load out of Silo #3. Changing weather conditions contributed to the spontaneous combustion of the coal in the hopper, causing the coal to burn. The fire burned for over an hour and was contained to the metal hopper/duct work. There was no damage to the hopper or duct work.

2019 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting plastic when knife slipped. Laceration on wrist, three stitches. See Below: Wet and rainy conditions; Not utilizing proper cutting tool; Not wearing appropriate protective PPE.

Accident type, without injuries

Warm coal in head chute of module #230 combined with prevailing SE wind, high humidity and light rain caused coal to spontaneously combust. Wind drove the flames to the west, down the belt lines, causing all combustible parts to burn and causing heat damage to the metal components.

2018 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was moving channel iron in tight conditions by self. Getting in a hurry in cold conditions not thinking of the proper lifting techniques. Lifting from below knees ee felt the strain in groin area. EE realized ee should have received help with the task. EE failed to follow lifting procedures and proper ergonomics. Follow up training on policy and procedures.

Struck by flying object

EE was using a pry bar when it came into contact with EE's chin, causing a laceration that required stitches.

2012 · 5 incidents

Flash burns (welding)

Employee received flash burns to the eyes during welding operations. Employee was seen at the doctor and received prescription medication for the eye condition.

Accident type, without injuries

High winds combined with shot coal were the predominate contributer to the resulting coal fire in the pit. The winds were sustained at approximately 45 mph over several hours. The fire was extinguished within 55 minutes of verification.

Struck by falling object

Welder removed sealed safety eye wear in lunch room after welding and grinding and felt particle fall into left eye. A piece of metal was removed later by an eye doctor and prescription medication was given.

Accident type, without injuries

A planned detonation in the slot barn produced a fire ball; which in turn resulted in a grass fire. The grass fire was extinguished within 15 minutes. Due to the nature of this event and its unknowns, MSHA was notified.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE pulling discharge hose out of the back of a pick-up; ""felt"" tension when pulling; a 4"" coupler (male component)that was attached to the end of the discharge hose snagged on rope in back of pick-up; pulled harder; released and struck EE on the lower left lip causing a laceration. EE returned to work the same day.

2011 · 1 incident

Fall down stairs

ManPower Contractor (EE) was on lunch break with co-workers; suddenly EE had strange look on face and went outside. Co-workers heard a noise. Went outside and found EE lying head first, part way down a flight of steps. Appeared EE had blacked out / had a seizure and fell down steps. Medical tests revealed a tumor on the brain which caused the incident.

2010 · 9 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting zip tie off of a new coiled brake line when pocket knife slipped, causing a laceration including cut tendon on left thumb and puncture wound to left index finger.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was coming down the lower ladder of a loader, when they felt a pain in at the base of their neck. Conditions contributing to the event were a very cold, windy, snowy morning. Employee had all of the correct PPE to protect the head, neck, back, and entire body from the outside elements. Medication was prescribed.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cleaning up coal spill by coal trolley using a 6 inch vacumn hose, shovel and hands. Employee was bent over the vacumn hose and felt a pain in their lower back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Changing glass light fixture and as it was being removed, the fixture began slipping out of EE's hands causing the left hand / fingers to turn in an awkward position. EE sustained a clean fracture to the left middle finger.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stepping across standing water, pushed off with left knee which hyper-extended while fueling / lubing haul trucks on hotstart line on April 27, 2010. Received full return to work. On June 4, 2010 injury became reportable due to orthroscopic surgery on the left knee meniscus for a slight tear. Received a post-op full return to work release.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting skirting (belting) with a utility knife when it slipped cut into left hand palm.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Individual was carrying a reciprocating cylinder to the bottom of the primary crusher. The next morning the shoulder was stiff.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

When walking alongside pick-up to hook up the welding trailer, the individual slipped on snow covered ice. This resulted in doing the ""splits"" and landing on the ground.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Rolled left ankle while cleaning windows on the #290 scraper. Employee was taking a small step down when his ankle rolled.

2009 · 8 incidents

Struck against a moving object

An employee was operating a haul truck and began experiencing lower back pain. The employee was being seen by a doctor and on 12/14/2009 recieved a no work release for one month.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While at work an employee began to experience pain in his left shoulder when pulling up the boarding ladder on P&H 2300 shovel. The employee saw an orthopedic specialist and had surgery on 11/12/2009 for a left torn rotator cuff. The employee was placed on restricted duty.

Struck against a moving object

Driving a bobcat through sump area, hit something covered with mud. Bobcat went forward, was not wearing seat belt and went forward, hitting ribs on the safety bar and face in the windshield. Treated in first aid for small cut on nose and returned to work. Ribs became more sore during the week, decided to seek medical attention on 4/1. Remains on restricted duty for 2-3 weeks.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was assigned failing object guard installation on mobile conveyor #1. To gain access to one of the rollers he attempted to move a 3"" power cord by himself instead of using come along and strap provided.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating track dozer and while traveling over berm, when dozer hit ground employee was thrown from seat, hitting head in cab. Employee was wearing seatbelt, but seatbelt was improperly latched and employee was thrown from seat. Employee received head laceration, 32 stitches, and was on restricted duty for 10 days (cannot wear hard hat).

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was having reoccrring back pain from an injury in April 06, 1998 that resulted a reportable injury of that year.

Fall from machine

Employee slipped on track of track dozer while dismounting. Employee injured right knee and recieved perscription medication for pain. Employee was on restricted duty for two weeks.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was moving wheelbarrow full of coal and felt a pinching in lower back, resulting in pain in right hip. Employee returned to work with restricted duty and perscription medication.

2008 · 4 incidents

Struck by flying object

Employee was operating Haul Truck and received forgien body in right eye. Employee recieved medical treatment for cornea scratch and was put on antibiotics for 7 days. Employee was wearing safety glasses at the time of the incident.

Struck against stationary object

Employee lacerated left thumb while installing hose clamp on air filter. Laceration came from hose clamp edge. Suture was required to close laceration. Employee was released to work with lifting restrictions until the suture was removed.

Struck by falling object

Employee was lifting sun gear for scraper wheel assembly when lifting bracket shifted causing the gear to break loose from rigging. Gear landed on employees left foot, resulting in crushing injuries and two broken toes.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was air arching on frame crack on Haul Truck and recieved eye injury by metal splinter. Employee was wearing proper PPE for the job.

2007 · 7 incidents

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was trying to put cable back on pulley using pry bar. Cable jumped to other side of pulley and contacted employee's left middle and ring fingers. Ring finger received laceration requiring stitches and middle finger received compound fracture that required reconstructive surgery. Employee missed 2 days of scheduled work.

Struck against a moving object

A civilian vehicle traveling east bound on Interstate 90 crashed into the Wyodak Mine's Peerless pit (south side of I-90). The Peerless pit is not currently part of the active mining operations and no Wyodak Mine employees were injured in this crash. The vehicle traveled off of the Interstate approx. 3/4 to 1.5 miles before rolling over the edge of the embankment.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Welder/Mechanic burnt arm while welding on loader. Employee reported 11 days after incident happened because burn became infected and needed medical treatment. Employee was not wearing proper protective clothing that was provided. He was diagnosed with contact dermatitis (the infection) as a result of the un-treated burn.

Struck against stationary object

Employee slipped on wet coal at the Loadout facility and sprained right ankle. Received X-ray and air cast at the hospital and is working light duty.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee bent over to pull water wash hose and pulled a muscle in his back.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was cutting with a torch, when he felt his leg getting warm. Hot slag had come in contact with his lower coverall pant leg and started to burn. He smothered the smoldering cloth and received a burn on his skin on a 4 inch by 4 inch area. He took steps to keep the skin clean and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was working in the man basket of a bucket truck. The basket dropped 2-3 feet while employee was leaning against top of basket causing injury to his rib and chest area.

2006 · 1 incident

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was arc welding. Raised his welding hood to chip at some slag. A piece of hot slag came over the top of his safety glasses and lodged in the corner of his right eye. Treated and released back to work by a local optometrist.

2005 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator assisting mechanic to drive ripper shank out of socket on tool bar. Metal shard struck left inner thigh becoming imbedded in flesh. Cold morning - about 10 degrees.

Accident type, without injuries

One of our dust collectors empties into a trailer mounted bin that is then towed to the waste dump for disposal. As an employee open a slide gate and coal dust began spilling out, the dust ignited. Trailer and towing vehicle sustained paint damage.

2004 · 1 incident

Accident type, without injuries

Suspect that lightning struck during a severe thunder storm causing ignition of coal dust inside the dust collection baghouse atop silo 3. A computer time stamp of 6:53 p.m. indicated miscellaneous and unconnected electrical disruptions. Baghouse doors found open and bags gone at 12 noon on 07/14/04. Investigation began into how, what and when.

2003 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LIFTING A FIVE GALLON BOTTLE OF WATER UP ONTO THE DISPENSER. SHE SOMEHOW TURNED THE WRONGWAY AND INJURED HER BACK.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE UNLOADING OXYGEN & ACETYLENE BOTTLES TO REPLACE THOSE ON A PORTABLE WELDING TRAILER. WHEN SLIDING THEM FROM THE BED OF A PU TRUCK TO THE GROUND, EE CAUGHT HIS MIDDLE FINGER OF LT. HAND BETW EEN BOTTOM OF TANK & BUMPER OF PU TRUCK. EE REPORTED INCIDENT BUT DENIED MEDICAL ATTN. ON 10/23/03, EE REPORTED THAT FINGER WAS NOT BETTER. EE WENT TO ER & X-RAY CONFIRMED FRACTURED FINGER.

2002 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLIMBING DOWN A VERTICAL LADDER FROM A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, LEFT FOOT MISSED THE BOTTOM STEP CAUSING RIGHT LEG TO BECOME HYPERFLEXED. HE FELT A POP AND PAIN IN RIGHT HIP.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE UNDERWENT SURGERY ON HIS LEFT WRIST FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ON OCTOBER 15TH. PHYSICIAN AND WORKER'S COMPENSATION ARE LISTING THIS AS A REPETITIVE MOTION ILLNESS.

Struck by falling object

PULLING UPRIGHT SCAFFOLD TO A NEW 10 CANON TO CHANGE LIGHT BULBS, SCAFFOLD TAPPLED OVER ONTO EE.

2001 · 2 incidents

Fall from machine

RMPLOYEE WAS MOUNTING A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. SHOES WERE MUDDY, STEPS AND HANDRAIL WERE MUDDY. SLIPPED OFF, DROPPED TO THE GROUND. HEARD POPPING SOUND FROM RIGHT KNEE.

Struck by falling object

EE WAS INSTALLING A 30-4O LB BALL STUD ON THE BACK OF A HAUL TRK. BALL STUD SLIPPED & FELL ON EE'S RIGHT F00T

2000 · 3 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

OPERATING A WTR TRK, HAD PARKED UNDER WATER LOADOUT BUT DID NOT LINE UP WITH FILL HOSE. TURNED WATER ON USING A REMOTE DEVICE WHILE STANDING NEXT TO FILL HOLE. HOSE POPPED OUT & WATER PRESSURE KNOCKED EE DOWN ON TOP OF TANK

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE DISMOUNTED THE DRILL & STEPPED IN AN UNEVEN DEPRESSION RESULTING IN A TWISTED KNEE. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION UNTIL SURGERY PERFORMED 2/2/01

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE UNDERWENT SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL (RT WRIST) ON FEB 24TH, WILL HAVE LEFT WRIST DONE AFTER RIGHT ONE HEALS. THERE IS NO ONE INCIDENT TO POINT TO. WORKER'S COMP HAS LISTED THIS A REPETIVE M OTION CONDITION. EE IS A DRILLER/BLASTER BUT FILLS MANY POSITIONS AS NEEDED.